Lane rage and raising funds

By Virginia Winder
You've heard of road rage, well tonight I seethed with the aquatic equivalent.
Let's call it lane rage.
There's an unspoken swimming pool etiquette, similar to the good manners that should be shown on road passing lanes.
Well, I was swimming quite happily at my own pace, when a new woman joined my lane.
Good on her for getting out and exercising - always great to see - but please learn the rules.
She was slower than me, which meant that I lapped her and needed to pass. But when we got to the end of the pool, she didn't stop to let me go in front; she just pushed on.
That meant I had to do a dangerous pass, which could have caused a head-on collision with another swimmer if one joined our lane unnoticed.
Not good for any poor unsuspecting freestyler and certainly not good for me, especially because I have a precarious neck problem that could be seriously damaged through impact.
This failure to giveway happened a few times, until she switched lanes.
I never said anything to her about etiquette, mainly because I didn't want to be aggressive or scare her off from swimming. Perhaps I should have, so she'd understand why I was gently tickling her toes.
Let's get this straight here - I am no speedster. The blokes in the next lane were zipping past me like sharks chasing prey. I'm just a plodder who needs a style overhaul.
Great thing was a good mate joined my lane and I asked her to chase me in sprints. She certainly tickled my toes! We swapped places and I didn't reach her feet. There's always next time...
As a rule, I'm a bit of solo trainer and always have been. I love geting lost in my own thoughts, or better still, emptying my mind.
But I enjoyed doing a spot of training with my fit young friend tonight and last night, it was great walking with a friend and chatting.
In fact, I love the idea of this whole team thing for both training and competing.
So if anyone wants to join my team, JustGot2DoIt, for the January 29 triathlon here in New Plymouth, New Zealand - just do it!
I've registered my team as a fundraiser for breast cancer research too.
You can register of the event by going to Contact TriWoman Series.
Hey, I'm going to get cerise T-shirts printed for people too, but you will have to buy them.

These shirts will be cheap though, cos I only want to cover my costs!

Best of all, my daughter, Clementine, will be creating a beautiful design for the team shirts.
I suppose I'd better tell/ask her...

Today, I:
Ate 3 healthy meals, but it was a bit tough at a barbecue tonight
Swam 62 lengths
Slept 6 hours
Worked for 12 hours
Didn't drink enough water

I love my feet with good socks

By Virginia Winder
There's a song by Kiwi musician Shona Laing that all athletes need as their anthem.
"I love my feet," she sings.
For years, I've found myself getting blisters between and under my toes.
But now I have invested in some sports socks that cushion my feet and wow, what a difference they make.
Yes, they are more expensive than the standard fare found in markets, supermarkets and big stores, but to be blister-free after five weeks of walking, well they are worth it.
I've also been cutting my toenails short to prevent rubbing and also been using a vitamin cream to keep my skin supple.
Good running or walking shoes are also a must. My old pair have been relegated to beach-walking so I'm not bothered if they get wet crossing shallow streams. A new pair, bought on sale, are fantastic.
Because I have exceptional pronation, i.e. I go over on my bendy ankles easily, I've also got a pair of tramping boots that are as light as running shoes for park and reserve outings. These were more expensive and a luxury, but will also take me on national park tramps.
All because, yes, take it away, Shona...
"There's a part of my body that can't be beat, I love my feet."

Today, I:
Walked for 50 minutes on a beautiful evening with Warren and met up with friends on the way.
Ate three nutritious low-fat meals, but ate my lunch at breakfast (long story). Had first of the season's asparagus at dinner with baked salmon - yummy!
Slept 8 hours last night
Worked 10 hours
Had a restoring nap at 5pm (wonderful!)
Drank heaps of water
Drank 2 coffees

Being mindful helps form new habits

By Virginia Winder
Just over five weeks ago, I was sluggish and unmotivated to exercise.
My life was only about work, long hours and stress.
It's time for another confession here... six weeks ago I spent a day in hospital being monitored for chest pains.
Turns out they were from stress-induced reflux, which is something that happened to me 10 years ago. I thought that was the case, but thought I'd better get checked out. See, sometimes I can be sensible.
Then of course came the appointment with my doctor, which was my tipping point.
My changes came from necessity.
The eating alterations have been easy, but only because I was ready to make them.
These are some of simple changes I have made:
1. I now eat slowly and enjoy every mouthful. There is research that shows that the faster people eat, the more overweight they are.
2. My dinner is now served on a smaller plate than the rest of the family, so my portions are less.
3. The big one is removing temptation. I used to finish the kids' meals or go for seconds - simply because food was sitting there in front of me. Now I get the family to move them out of sight, and yes, out of mind.
4. When I come home from work I used to have crackers and cheese, especially blue cheese. I'd also eat potato chips. This was a bit downfall time for me. Now, I have a wee snack - fruit or a smoothie - to fuel me for exercise.
5. I have cut down on bread. I still eat it and love it, but only have a slice or two, instead of four or five - or more.
6. If I'm in a hurry, especially at lunch time, I choose healthy fast food - not burgers, chips and Coke. Now, it's sushi, salads and sandwiches.
7. To be honest, I don't think much about food when I'm not hungry. But when I do need to eat, I make healthy choices and opt for fresh, unprocessed foods. Also I ask questions - is this good fuel? Will it help my body and mind? Will it energise me?
Don't think I'm an angel. I still have a couple of glasses of wine at the weekend and eat a square or two of dark chocolate most days.
There is absolutely nothing I'm not allowed and, because of that, I don't get into that craving-versus-guilt mind battle.
Once again, remember this - I am not slim yet. Yes, I've lost weight, but I am still medically obese. I have a long way to go.
My goal isn't so much about losing weight and looking slim; it's to be fit, healthy and have a balanced life.
Also, I'm loving the exercise and have a big goal with tangible, achievable ones on the way (thanks Margaret Carr for reminding me of the importance of these).
Lately, I've met some people who are finding my quest inspiring. They also say how it's motivated them in their own lives.
But not everyone.
Some people feel guilty or bad about themselves because of what I'm doing. Please don't. That's ridiculous. You are all beautiful and wonderful the way you are.
Remember, I was you just six weeks ago.
Then I had my health warning, my hospital trip, the hard word from my doctor and so I had to take a different path.
And guess what? I'm loving it!

Today I:
Ate three nutritious, healthy meals
Drank 1 coffee
Drank lots of water
Went to the gym and learnt my new fitness regime
Spent 15 minutes on the exercycle
Slept for 7.5 hours
Worked for 8 hours

Dreaming of marine creature style

By Virginia Winder
Swam next to a dolphin tonight.
There was this young woman who hadn't been in the pool for a few years and she just glided past me, effortlessly.
We met at the end of the pool and I remarked on her speed.
Turns out she only learnt to swim as an adult and discovered she had this exceptional gift, though was incredibly modest about it.
We discussed style and she gave me some tips, including running my thumb up the inside of my body before reaching out for the next stroke.
Have decided that since I will have hours and hours of pool training ahead of me, I'll get some expert advice and a schedule.
This human dolphin was incredibly inspiring. Although I won't be able to grow her size 11 feet, I want to emulate her style so I too can slide through the water like a marine creature.
Before swimming, I went for a 50-minute walk and have moved on from stories to music. That means I'm fit enough to stride out to a fast beat.
Tonight it was Kasbian, an English band I discovered at last year's Big Day Out. Kept imagining myself in the mosh pit for January's BDO, because Kasbian is one of the headline acts! Yay!
Just got the new album,Velociraptor, and it's great.
If my teenagers read this right now, they would say: "Mum you just think you're so cool - and you're not."
Put that in there, just so you know that I live with humbling influences and no, don't think I'm cool. Never, ever!
But determined... oh yes, more than you can ever imagine!

Today, I:
Swam 60 lengths of a 25m pool
Walked for 50 minutes at a fast pace
Ate two healthy meals - I forgot breakfast, so came home for lunch to eat my muesli
Drank a smoothy of half a banana, juice from home-grown oranges and a splash of yoghurt
Slept terribly again (about 4 hours)
Worked for 8 hours
Hung out with whanau

Time to sit-up and avoid the lightning

By Virginia Winder
Today is the first day I just didn't have time - or the desire - to do aerobic exercise.
Had back-to-back meetings after work, including the launch of a friend's motivational speaking and stress-busting business. Pretty inspirational and undoubtedly 100 times more useful to me than a walk in the elements.
Yes, I had a 20-minute window to head out for a fast trot, but decided to flag it.
Why?
Because for hours on end we've been experiencing electric storms and torrential rain. There's flooding, tornado warnings and the ever-present sound of thunder rumbling like an awakening volcano. It's scary out there.
Instead, I have been doing sit-ups.
Once upon-a-time I had washboard abs and could do 100 situps easily.
Now, well let's just say, I'm rediscovering my inner self and know I'll be hurting tomorrow.
"I'm hurting now," says Wheedle Voice.
"It's all fun though," says Inner Athlete.
Wheedle Voice is not permitted a Tui retort.
Just so you know, the whole time I've been writing this, the thunder and lightning continues.
This storm has now been tumbling overhead now for about eight hours, maybe longer.
Time to snuggle down in bed with the sound of the rain on the roof.

Today, I:
Did sit-ups
Ate three excellent meals
Turned down fried nibbles at a business launch
Worked for 9 hours
Slept about 3 hours (who knows why)
Drank lots of water

Dan, downsizing and advice from the Laude

By Virginia Winder
Felt like crying today.
Not for me, but for Dan Carter. Imagine being so close to the Holy Grail of rugby and getting injured.
OK, so I did have a few tears watching the national anthem and the haka. Kept putting myself in Dan's boots.
But a team is not just one man and the All Blacks looked magnificent against Canada - especially Jerome Kaino and Zac Guildford.
Now I'm sitting here with the laptop watching the NRL final. Go the Warriors!
Haven't been sitting around watching TV all day.
Went for a 55-minute walk tonight and my pace has improved greatly. However, my left Achilles tendon is niggling me. Thought about jogging a couple of times, but pleased I didn't! Don't want to snap the jolly thing.
Tried on some jeans today that I haven't been able to wear for two years! They fit just fine.
Put on another pair and they were way too big for me.
They will go into my pass-on pile - I'm not keeping any clothing that is too large for me.
There was another period in my life when I lost some weight. Just hovered around the 100kg mark, but never got lower. That time I kept my bigger clothes - just in case.
This time there will be no going back and I look forward to ceremoniously discarding.
Always to a good cause - anybody who wants them or to the Taranaki Hospice Shop. Hey, and my clothes are pretty cool, so if you're keen, make contact. I'm giving away only (not selling).
Had an offer of some smaller clothes from a friend who has also down-sized herself. So good to have some in-betweens until I get to my goal weight.
Have no idea what size clothes I'll end up wearing. Started off at size 22 or 2xl, so will keep you posted. Got some 24, 26 and 3xl in there too, so if you're keen...
The only clothing I'm allowed to buy now are bras, undies (necessities, that I won't buy second-hand), sports shoes and socks.
Size 20 and 18 hand-me-downs in other clothing will be gratefully accepted!
So were some words of wisdom from Fred Laude, the owner of Petit Paris.
"You know why French woman don't put on weight, don't you?" he asked today, while I was buying bread.
"No," I shook my head.
"It's because we start a meal with a green salad that lines the stomach and gets the enzymes working."
Must investigate that, but will give it a go.
Fred also recommends finishing with cheese and a bite of something sweet.
Will give the cheese a miss (that was one of my greatest downfalls), but a square of chocolate works for me.
Always.

Today, I:
Walked for 55 minutes
Discarded 3 pairs of jeans
Worked for 30 minutes
Hung out with whanau
Slept for 8.5 hours
Ate three great meals, but discovered I don't like polenta
Drank 3 cups of coffee
Drank lots of water
Drank 1 chai latte

From Paris to Paris - the big dream

By Virginia Winder
My day began and ended in Paris.
Well almost.
Met a friend at Petit Paris for morning tea and a motivational chat. Another friend, a Kiwi who has been to Paris this year, joined us.
We talked of dreams, songwriting and the peace of this place by the sea.
The other woman, a Frenchwoman from Paris, works at Sport Taranaki.
She talked about tramping on the mountain after work in summer, staying in a hut overnight and getting up early, walking off and heading to work. She inspired me so much I bought tramping boots on the way home.
Now ready to tackle Te Maunga o Taranaki.
My exercise for today was not on land, but in the pool. Swam 50 lengths of the 25-metre indoor pool and am feeling fitter and faster.
Came home and watched Tonga beat France in the Rugby World Cup - allez la rouge!
Then got Skyping.
The first call was to my sister, Felicity, and her husband, Bevin, who are house-sitting in Sydney, near Manly. Go the Warriors!!! Gosh, I'm getting more patriotic by the day!
The second Skype was to Camille, our French daughter, now living in Paris.
Camille was a French exchange student who lived with us for a few months in 2006. We love her dearly.
We also have a Swiss daughter called Jeanette and an Italian daughter called Lucia. We love them too!
Can't show favouritism!
In fact, we often say these young women would probably be great mates if they met each other.
Now, you're probably wondering what on earth this has to do with my quest.
Actually a huge amount.
You see when my doctor suggested I consider stomach reduction surgery, I instantly thought: "I could spend that money on a trip to Paris."
So, along with the goal of losing half my body weight and completing a half-ironman I want to go to Europe to celebrate the year I turn 50. Warren also hits the half-century in 2013, so we've got a double reason to go.
But it's important to have tangible, achievable goals closer at hand. That means the Big Day Out in January 2012, camping at Oakura Beach after that and the triathlon on January 29. Have got my eye on a series of walk/run events this summer and am also considering a mountain summit in a few months' time.
For now, I'm living this moment, training for my life and dreaming of Paris.

Today, I:
Ate three healthy meals
Drank lots of water
Slept for 8 hours
Worked zero hours
Swam 50 lengths of a 25m pool
Spent time with friends and family